Sangla – a small and unique hill town of Himachal is located on a valley acknowledged as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. This picturesque valley hidden in the majestic Himalayas amidst apple and walnut orchards is indeed a unique destination for tourists from India as well from around the world.

This extremely popular tourist destination is located on the bank of the Baspa River and is also popularly known as Baspa valley. Snow covered mountains, thick forests of Himalayan cedar, glaciers, swift flowing river, small village houses, fruit orchards, monastery, temples, fish farm, old palace and friendly inhabitants are some of the snapshots that best describe the small hill town of Sangla. Scope of paragliding facility has made it extremely popular among adventure loving tourists as well.

Picturesque Sangla Valley

Where is Sangla?

The picturesque hill town of Sangla is located in a valley in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

About Sangla

The valley of Sangla spreading over 42 Km at an average altitude of 2700 m above sea level is one of the most preferred tourist destinations of Himachal. Located at a distance of 30 Km from Tibetan border, the serene valley of Sangla has that unspoilt beauty which is hardly found anywhere else. The natural scenery all around and the eternal snow view are picturesque and charming. Apart from being known for breathtaking views of the snow covered Himalayan peaks and thickly forested slopes covered with pine and deodar trees, Sangla is also the home of several rare species of herbs.

Closeness to Tibetan border has largely influenced the life and customs of the people living in this charming hill town. The people here are mostly of Buddhist faith and are known for their simple life style.

Sangla was basically a village until very recently without good hotels and much tourists amenities but hydroelectricity is changing Sangla beyond all recognition. It is fast developing into a modern hill town with good accommodation facilities, modern restaurants and all those facilities that a tourist looks into before visiting a place.

Sangla Sightseeing

The eternal tranquil beauty of Sangla is so mesmerizing that one hardly needs to go for sightseeing. Taking a lazy walk in the valley and enjoying the charming beauty of the place is by far the best option available to tourists. There are some places around Sangla as well that are worth a visit. Some of the major sightseeing spots around Sangla are :-

Kamru fort complex

Kamru Fort

At a distance of about 2 km from the hill town of Sangla lies the Kamru fort amidst picturesque surroundings. This is one of the oldest forts of Himachal and the entry to this tower-like fort is through a series of gates. At the main gate of the Fort is a stunning image of Lord Buddha which greets every visitor to the fort. The graceful wooden balcony, at the top of the fort, and the idol of Kamakhya Devi believed to have been brought from Guwahati installed on the third floor of the fort, are worth seeing. There is a Badrinath Temple inside the fort complex, which dates back to the 15th century.

Sangla Meadow

One of the prime attractions of Sangla is the meadow which is an epitome of greenery. Set amidst towering snow capped mountain ranges all around, the meadow is a perfect place to spend an entire day laying and strolling in its green grasses. Scope of various activities in this green pastures makes it a perfect place to have some adventure experience as well.

View of Sangla meadow

Baspa River

This fast flowing river flowing through the hill town of Sangla is a major tourist attraction. Fishing in the Baspa River which is home to the rainbow and brown Trout is perhaps one of the greatest attractions of Sangla valley. The swirling current of the Baspa is home to both the rainbow and brown trout and is an angler’s paradise.

Crossing the Baspa River is another attraction of Sangla and provides the perfect dose for adventure lovers. The unforgettable experience of crossing the river in local way sitting in a basket must not be missed during Sangla tour.

Camping along the bank of the Baspa River provides a perfect setting for a day out with nature sitting in its lap. The peaceful place and the friendly people of Sangla provide the necessary boost for camping amidst such picturesque location. The experience will be awesome and you will cherish this in memory for many more years. The swift flowing Bapsa river with greenery all around and snow covered peaks in sight, makes a rare beautiful combination.

Chitkul village near Sangla

Chitkul

At a distance of about 20 Km from Sangla is Chitkul, which is the last inhabited village near Indo-Tibet border. The journey to Chitkul from Sangla is spectacular and indeed an experience of a life time. This beautiful village is situated on the right bank of River Baspa and is very sparsely populated. The village has a beautiful temple of Local goddess known as “Chitkul Maathi” or “Mata Devi” which is worshipped by people of entire Kinnaur district as well as by tourists visiting Chitkul. Huge snowfall occurs during winter and the place becomes un-inhabited

Bering Nag Temple, Buddhist Monastery, Tibetan Wood Carving Centre are some of the other places that are worth visiting around Sangla. Some of the nearby Trout Fishing Farm can also be visited to have a firsthand knowledge pisiculture.

How to reach Sangla?

By Air

Airport at Shimla at a distance of about 238 Km is the nearest from Sangla. Regular flights are available to Shimla from Delhi.

By Rail

The nearest narrow gauge railway station is at Shimla. Kalka and Shoghi are the other railway stations from where Sangla can be reached by hiring private vehicles.

By Road

Picturesque Sangla valley is well connected by road network with major towns like Shimla, Chail, Narkanda, Kalka, Ambala, Chandigarh and New Delhi.

Where to stay at Sangla?

The mesmerizing beauty of the Sangla valley and the hydel power project has transformed this little hill town into a preferred tourist destination. Today Sangla offers a good range of hotels for tourists. Some of the better hotels and accommodation facilities of Sangla are :-

Banjara Camp & Retreat

At a height of 2,700 mts, the Banjara Camp & Retreat is surrounded by towering mountains on all sides and is set on the banks of the Baspa River. Surrounded by apple orchards, the campsite has cosy Swiss-style tents with attached, tiled bathrooms and running hot water. The Retreat, situated right beside the campsite is a two storied stone & wood house in rustic style with large, comfortably furnished and tastefully decorated rooms. There are now a couple of river facing huts as well. The Banjara Camp & Retreat is open from Mid-March to October.

With 4 deluxe tents, 5 super deluxe tents, 7 deluxe rooms, 7 super deluxe rooms, 2 river facing huts and a well equipped multi-cuisine restaurant, Banjara Camp & Retreat is perhaps the best place to stay in Sangla. All the tents and rooms are fully furnished and have attached baths with 24 hr hot/cold water supply.

To know more about Banjara Camp & Retreat, and to avail its online query and booking facility, Click HERE. You can also call at – 01786-242370/242536 to gather more information.

Basukinath Resort

With 15 fully furnished Swiss cottage deluxe tents, attached bathroom with a modern appeal adding to the comfort, Basukinath Resort is enjoys the advantage of magnificent location as well. Proximity to local village adds to Baikunth’s appeal. There is 24 hours running hot water in the bathrooms. Each tent has a sit out balcony which provides an awesome view.

To know more about this resort and to avail its online booking facility, Click HERE. You can also give a phone call at – 9857166230 / 9459494151 / 9459494152.

Igloo Nature Camp

For aneco-friendly Sangla Hotel with Swiss Tents in a valley surrounded by Apple and walnut tree, Igloo nature camp is an ideal option. Situated at the base of Mt. Kailashar, away from the city crowd amidst pure fresh unpolluted air, water from mountain falls, personalized service it is an ideal place to rejuvenate and revitalize enjoying the beauty of Sangla. The camp offers 12 luxury Swiss tents all with attached bath and facilities like indoor games, hiking, trekking, bird watching, trout farm visits, nature walk and more.

To know more about Igloo nature camp and avail its online booking facility, Click HERE. You can also give a phone call at- +918420285900.

Mount Kailash Guest House

For a comfortable budget accommodation with modern amenities this guest house is ideal. For booking and accommodation query, call at – 01786-242527.

Sangla Resort

Situated near the main market of Sangla is ideal for budgeted and comfortable stay. Though the location is not secluded but is ideal as far as conveniency is concerned. The booking contact number of the resort is – 01786-242401.

Dev Bhumi Regency

For a budgeted staying, this hotel is a good option. The hotel has 16 rooms. For booking contact at – 01786-242303 / 243030

Monal Regency

In spite of being a budget hotel the view from this hotel will make you ecstatic. The rooms are few in numbers but are quite well furnished. For booking contact at – 01786-242911

About the Author: Hi! friends, travelling is my passion and my only hobby. High mountains to deep seas, lush green forests to barren deserts, holy places to sites of historical importance, - every beautiful place attracts me the same way.
I want everyone to feel the same and so through my writing I intend to take you all to a virtual trip to all those lovely places that I have visited.